A Story of Confidence, Connection, and Community!
In Downtown Kenosha, just a few blocks from our iconic lakefront, surrounded by restaurants, shops, and a rapidly evolving local scene, you’ll find a business that many people still discover by surprise: In the Garden of Eden. “I had no idea this was here.” It’s something the owner Laurel Paschke hears all the time. Often described as a “hidden gem,” In the Garden of Eden has built something truly meaningful over the past decade. And now, as the shop marks its 10-year anniversary, this moment is about more than just longevity, it’s about everything it took to get here. Ten years of risk. Ten years of resilience. Ten years of showing up for people in a way that goes far beyond retail.
For me, this milestone is personal. I’ve known Laurel for nearly the entire life of her business, telling her story, promoting her shop, and watching her navigate the realities of small business ownership with honesty and true grit. Over time, that professional connection turned into a genuine friendship. And that’s what makes this anniversary hit a little differently.
When In the Garden of Eden opened on May 13, 2016, it wasn’t the result of a lifelong dream. It was the result of a turning point. After more than 25 years in corporate retail, including six in management, Laurel had reached a place many people know well, the so-called success on paper, but unfulfilled in reality. A visit to her sister in Missouri introduced her to a different kind of store, one that felt comfortable, respectful, and customer focused in a way she hadn’t experienced before. At first, it was just an idea. Then it became a question: “Is this something you can actually do?” And from that point on, it wasn’t about whether it would work. It was about what it would take to make it happen.
Laurel didn’t jump in blindly, she paid attention. She recognized that Kenosha, one of the largest cities in Wisconsin, didn’t have a space that felt comfortable, tasteful, female-focused, couple-friendly, inclusive and when she discovered that nearly half the population consisted of married couples, it reinforced what she already believed. There was a clear need, and it wasn’t being met! So she created something different.
At its core, In the Garden of Eden is about creating a space where people feel comfortable, respected, and supported.
Yes, the shop offers:
- Lingerie (XS–6X)
- Bath and body products
- Hosiery
- Party items
- And a wide range of adult products
But what defines the experience isn’t the inventory. It’s the environment. Laurel has built her business around personalized service. Every customer interaction is intentional. Every conversation is handled with care. Every visit is shaped by trust. For first-time visitors, especially those who may feel unsure, she creates a space where questions are welcome and nothing feels intimidating. That’s what sets this place apart from the rest.
One of the biggest challenges over the past ten years hasn’t been competition, it’s been perception. Many people walk in expecting something uncomfortable or impersonal, shaped by outdated ideas of what this type of store is. And almost immediately, that changes. What they find instead is a clean, welcoming, and knowledgeable environment where they can explore without pressure. That shift, from hesitation to comfort, is something Laurel has worked hard to build over the last decade.
Inclusivity at In the Garden of Eden isn’t a marketing angle, it’s personal. With a daughter in the LGBTQIA+ community, Laurel understands how important it is to create spaces where people feel seen and supported. That commitment shows up in everything she does: a trans-friendly environment, body-positive sizing and product selection, a judgment free approach to every interaction. For many customers, this isn’t just a place to shop. It’s a place where they feel comfortable being themselves.
The doors opened on May 13, 2016, but of course not without challenges. Laurel received her final approval the morning of opening day. From there, the learning curve was immediate. She ran the business alone for over three years. Worked a second job for more than five. Dealt with a difficult landlord situation that nearly cost her everything. And made real sacrifices at home to keep the business going. It wasn’t easy. But quitting was never part of the plan!
Ask Laurel what she’s most proud of, and it’s not numbers or milestones. It’s the people.
The customer who walks in unsure of themselves. The conversation that starts small but becomes meaningful. The moment someone realizes they’re in a space where they can just be themselves. Those are the moments that define the business. And after ten years, they’ve happened more times than she can count.
Reaching a 10-year anniversary means surviving what many businesses don’t. Laurel has navigated through so much Downtown construction that impacted visibility, a relocation that made some believe the shop had closed, the COVID-19 shutdown, ongoing economic challenges, and more.
None of it was guaranteed. Every year required effort, adjustment, and persistence. And that’s what makes this milestone meaningful. It wasn’t luck. It was earned.
When Laurel realized she was approaching ten years, her first reaction was disbelief. Time had moved fast. Too fast.
And while there isn’t a large formal celebration planned, the milestone itself carries weight.
Ten years represents thousands of customer interactions, years of sacrifice, a business that became part of people’s lives, a space that built trust in the community.
That is what’s being celebrated.
From the beginning, Laurel knew she wanted to be Downtown. Not just for visibility, but for connection. Downtown Kenosha offers a mix of history, energy, and walkability that makes it a destination. Visitors often discover the shop while exploring and many come back. Some even make it part of their routine when they return to town. It’s one more way this business has become part of the fabric of Downtown.
After ten years, Laurel isn’t standing still. She’s considering what growth could look like, possibly a larger space, though carefully.
She’s also interested in creating opportunities for more conversation and connection, through classes or group discussions.
Because at the end of the day, this business has always been about more than products. It’s about people.
For me, this story is more than just a feature. I’ve seen what it took to get here. I’ve seen the challenges, the growth, and the consistency it takes to keep going year after year. And over time, I’ve come to value not just Laurel’s work, but her friendship. Laurel, I’m proud of you! Proud of what you’ve built! Proud of what you’ve pushed through! Proud of you for standing up to the nay sayers! And proud to have been part of telling your story over the last 10 years of my career.
Ten years ago, this was a leap. Today, In the Garden of Eden is something much more. A trusted space. A welcoming environment. A business that has made a real impact.
And if there’s one thing that defines these ten years, it’s this:
It’s a place where people feel comfortable, supported, and accepted, exactly as they are.
Cheers to you Laurel and cheers to ten years.
And everything still ahead.
Bonus
There’s an ongoing special deal: Buy One Get One Half Off All Hanging Lingerie: sizes Small-4X
Visit In the Garden of Eden Today!
711 57th Street
Kenosha, WI 53140
(262) 455-7502
